Kathmandu, Nov. 11 -- As many as 34 people died and 175 others were infected with the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus that has spread to 117 local units of 45 districts of Nepal since June.

The number of deaths, death rate, and infections are at their highest in recent years, which immunisation experts say is alarming.

"One third death, one third disability and one third cure is a thing of the past," said Dr Shyam Raj Upreti, former director general at the Department of Health Services. "High mortality and morbidity rate indicates not only rapid surge in the deadly virus but also serious problems in the quality of healthcare services."

JE is a viral brain infection, endemic to Asia and parts of the Western Pacific. According to the Wo...